Audi S5 MOT Failures

An analysis of 2,656 real DVSA MOT tests on the Audi S5 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: 8T (2007–2016).

Where the Audi S5 fails its MOT

The single biggest MOT failure point on the Audi S5 is tyre cords visible or damaged — this model is 7.1 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it worth watching for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 2,656 MOT tests, 8.72% of all Audi S5 tests recorded this as a failure.

Tyre failures indicate either poor maintenance or suspension geometry issues causing uneven wear. Check all four tyres for tread depth, sidewall damage, and uneven wear patterns.

Other notable weak points include exhaust system damage (15x the fleet average), free play in the steering, measured at the rim ... (7.9x the fleet average), abs fault (6.8x the fleet average), and tyre seriously damaged (5.1x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Audi S5's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.

The failures span 4 categories: Tyres, Bodywork, Steering, Suspension. If you're inspecting a Audi S5 before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.

How failures change with mileage

The Audi S5's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.

Under 60,000 miles

At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.

For the Audi S5 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are tyre cords visible or damaged (7.1x the average) and tyre seriously damaged (5.1x).

60,000 to 100,000 miles

This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.

The standout failure at this mileage is tyre cords visible or damaged at 5.2x the fleet average.

Over 100,000 miles

High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.

For the Audi S5 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are exhaust system damage (15x the average) and free play in the steering, measured at the rim ... (7.9x). abs fault (6.8x) and abs fault also appear frequently.

The shift from tyre cords visible or damaged at lower mileages to exhaust system damage at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.

Known issues beyond the MOT

An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Audi S5 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.

DSG mechatronic unit failure (8T) Major

The DSG mechatronic unit is the hydraulic control module that operates clutch engagement and gear selection in the dual-clutch transmission. Affects 8T; typical independent garage repair cost is £2,000–£3,500.

Same as S4 B8 Major

The 3.0 TFSI supercharged engine shares the S4 B8's documented cooling system vulnerabilities including thermostat housing failure, PCV valve carbon build-up, and water pump impeller degradation. Affects 8T; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£600.

Suspension bush wear (8T)

MOT data shows S5 models failing suspension bush inspections at 415.4x the fleet average, particularly affecting 4.2L V8 models at 40,000-60,000 miles. Affects 8T; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£600.

Engine management light - 4.2L V8 (8T)

These faults rarely affect driveability but cause MOT emission failures.. Affects 8T; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£400.

For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Audi S5 common problems breakdown.

What to check before buying a Audi S5

Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Audi S5:

Tyres — check for tyre cords visible or damaged, tyre seriously damaged. Bodywork — check for exhaust system damage. Steering — check for free play in the steering, measured at the rim .... Suspension — check for abs fault.

Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about dsg mechatronic unit failure and same as s4 b8. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £2,000. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.

Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.

MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.